Jardines de Sabatini, Madrid

The Sabatini Gardens form a formal garden complex belonging to Madrid’s Royal Palace. Trimmed hedges, geometrically arranged trees, a reflecting pool, fountains, and statues of Spanish kings give the grounds their composed appearance. The site once held royal stables designed by Francesco Sabatini, the Italian architect whose name the gardens honour.

Their creation began in 1933, after the stable buildings were cleared, and the work was completed in the late 1970s. King Juan Carlos I opened the gardens to the public in 1978. The grounds are divided into three terraces, with the upper levels providing a view across the Royal Palace façade. This carefully ordered setting turns a former service area into a peaceful place for seeing the palace.